Home > Closer Andrew Bailey now has thumb injury, Opening Day in jeopardy

Closer Andrew Bailey now has thumb injury, Opening Day in jeopardy

Michael Silverman Sunday, April 01, 2012

FORT MYERS -- Andrew Bailey has a thumb injury, a club source said, and the issue has placed the closer's availability for Opening Day in peril.

Bailey, who already was set back early in camp because a strained lat sustained in a vertical leap fitness test, was the club's solution for the departure of long-time closer Jonathan Papelbon, who signed with the Phillies. Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney came here from Oakland in the Josh Reddick trade.

Manager Bobby Valentine said earlier today that an injury concern to a reliever factored into the decision to place Alfredo Aceves, formerly a starting candidate, into the bullpen. Aceves immediately becomes a strong candidate to be the club's closer. Mark Melancon will also be in the discussion.

Bailey has not pitched in a major-league game here since March 25, although he did throw 1-2/3 innings on Wednesday, allowing one run and two hits on no walks and two strikeouts.